Cherry or sour cherry pie

Cherry or sour cherry cake is a delicious and easy-to-make choice, perfect for both weekends and special occasions. This recipe combines the flavors of fresh fruits with a fluffy texture, making it loved by the whole family, especially the little ones. Let's discover together how to prepare it step by step!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

- 2 large eggs
- 300 g sugar
- 300 g flour
- 100 ml vegetable oil (preferably sunflower or canola oil)
- 50 ml water
- Juice of one lemon
- 50 ml rum (optional, for an intense flavor)
- 1 packet of vanilla essence
- 400 g fresh or frozen cherries or sour cherries
- Powdered sugar for decoration (optional)
- Whipped cream for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients for the cake. If using frozen cherries or sour cherries, make sure to thaw them and drain well to avoid making the batter soggy.

2. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). This will ensure even baking of the cake.

3. Preparing the batter: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes fluffy and light in color. This step is essential for achieving an airy texture.

4. Adding wet ingredients: Add the oil, water, lemon juice, rum (if you choose to use it), and vanilla essence. Mix well until combined.

5. Incorporating the flour: Sift the flour and gradually add it to the liquid mixture, gently folding with a spatula or mixing at low speed. Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense cake. The batter should be fluid but consistent.

6. Preparing the baking pan: Line a baking tray (approximately 30x40 cm) with parchment paper and dust it with flour. This step will prevent the cake from sticking.

7. Adding the cherries or sour cherries: Pour half of the batter into the tray, then add the fruits evenly distributed. Cover with the remaining batter.

8. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the cake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake, as it can become dry.

9. Cooling and decorating: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Finally, you can sprinkle powdered sugar on top or serve it with whipped cream for an extra touch of flavor.

Serving suggestions:

The cherry or sour cherry cake is delicious and simple, but you can customize it to your liking. You can serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a refreshing contrast or alongside a cup of hot coffee for a moment of indulgence.

Nutritional benefits:

This cake is a good source of carbohydrates and can provide an energy boost due to the sugar content. Cherries and sour cherries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, making this dessert not only delicious but also beneficial for health.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other types of fruits?
Yes, you can experiment with other seasonal fruits, such as peaches, plums, or blackberries. Make sure the fruits are well-drained before adding them to the batter.

- How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe by 50 g or use a natural sweetener, such as honey or maple syrup.

- Can I prepare the cake in advance?
Yes, the cake keeps well at room temperature for a few days. You can serve it as a delicious dessert for breakfast or as an afternoon snack.

Possible variations:

- Nut version: You can add 100 g of ground nuts to the batter for a crunchy texture and a more complex flavor.

- Glazed cake: After cooling, you can glaze the cake with melted chocolate or a sugar and lemon juice glaze for a more elegant appearance.

The cherry or sour cherry cake is a simple, quick recipe full of flavors that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. So, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and enjoy this delicacy!